GOVERNMENT SENATOR JEPTER INCE is all for a new and revised Family Law Act. He also expects the act to see continued change almost every decade.
But the outspoken senator took offence yesterday at claims that a true revision of this important piece of legislation was more than 20 years overdue, as claimed by Opposition members.
Speaking in the Upper House yesterday, Ince said that when all things are examined regarding equity and justice for families in Barbados, it is critical that amendments are made to the current Family Law Bill on a continued basis.
“There is no law that is perfect,” Ince told the august chamber yesterday.
“That is why amendments are made. The Family Law Council looked at the old act from as far back as 1988 and recommendations were made. In 1999 it was done again. In 2002 the council looked at the act, made recommendations and changes were made. They were not made by laypersons; they were made by qualified persons. But if the law was perfect, then there would be no need for changes,” Ince argued.
The senator gave an example of continued change as one revision which was made the last time the bill was revisited, where a suggestion was made regarding the extension of rights of children to be maintained by non-biological fathers.
“The council looked at all matters, made certain suggestions and the change has come in 2013. This is not about a change needed for 20 years now coming in 2013,” Ince noted.According to him, family law remains multifaceted and encompasses a number of areas that have to be continually reviewed to protect and advance a modern society. “[Family Law] is always a work in progress,” he said.
Ince said the latest amended bill would further bring equity and justice to all families in Barbados. “When we begin to look at the objectives and reasons for this, we are not demanding of persons.
“And that is why when you go to court, it is not necessarily who understands the law the best, but it is the individual who can put the case to judge and jury and allow them to make a decision based on the principles of the law,” Ince said. (BA)